KEY QUOTE: "Sexual content in mass
media has been around as long as mass media itself,’’ Arizona State professor Mary-Lou Galician, a researcher, author
and media literacy advocate says. "The difference is the proliferation of it. We live
in a 24/7 media world now. Take, as an example, the exploitation of Britney Spears, who
is literally pulling off her clothes during her performances. Her real talent lies
in being an objectified image. And it is an image, by extension, of our country around
the world.’’
Source: http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=51589

INTRODUCTION
Now here is a topic that many educators may not feel comfortable addressing in
the classroom. But the expression "sex sells," is certainly one that many
advertisers believe in. Many state's health teaching standards
include: "Analyze the influence of personal beliefs, culture, media,technology and other factors on health." Many will agree that messages
about sex found in the media certainly communicate and educate to audiences. But what are students
understanding?
Is the message always correct? And is anything important left out of the
message?

Sexualized Images in Advertising
There can be no denying that "sex sells." This article explores how advertisements in mainstream magazines have increasingly
relied on the explicit sexualization of both men and women to sell products.